Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found in the bloodstream and in your cells and is necessary for normal bodily functions. Seventy-five percent of cholesterol is produced by your liver and other cells in your body; the other 25% comes from the foods you eat.

 

Too much cholesterol in the blood is a major risk for coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

 

Adults 20 years and over should have a fasting lipoprotein profile every five years. This blood test reveals the levels of total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol and triglyceride (fat) levels in the blood.

 

Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) transports cholesterol from the liver to the rest of the body and contributes to the formation of plaque on artery walls and vessels—a high risk factor for heart attack or stroke. Premenopausal women are usually protected from high LDL, because estrogen tends to raise HDL levels. High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) moves cholesterol from body tissue back to the liver for removal from the body.

 

While genetics can play a role in LDL levels, eating a diet low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol can reduce your levels of LDL. Women should also manage their weight, exercise regularly and not smoke.